Local government election schedule to be announced after inter-ministerial meeting, says Salahuddin Ahmed

Online Desk

The government has launched drives against illegal electricity charging points as part of its efforts to curb the growing menace of battery-powered auto-rickshaws, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

The minister, however, clarified that the government is not opposed to auto-rickshaws themselves, but wants to bring their operations under control and address the problems they create, particularly traffic congestion.

He made the remarks on Tuesday after a meeting at the Secretariat on measures to ease traffic congestion in the capital.

Election schedule after inter-ministerial meeting

Asked about the upcoming local government elections, Salahuddin Ahmed said the election schedule would be announced after an inter-ministerial meeting.

He stressed that the Election Commission (EC) performs its responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution.

“The Election Commission works constitutionally,” the minister said, without providing a specific date for announcing the election schedule.

Action against illegal charging stations

Speaking about the widespread operation of auto-rickshaws, the Home Minister said the government was not seeking to ban the vehicles outright.

Instead, action was being taken against illegal electricity charging points used by battery-powered auto-rickshaws, he said.

The move is aimed at addressing the uncontrolled growth of the vehicles and reducing the associated traffic and safety problems.

Traffic congestion will take time to resolve

Salahuddin Ahmed acknowledged that Dhaka’s traffic congestion could not be solved overnight.

He said the government had begun coordination among the relevant agencies to tackle the problem and that several measures were being considered as part of a broader traffic management plan.

As part of the initiative, the government has decided to relocate some bus stands to ease congestion on major roads, he said.

The minister expressed hope that greater coordination among government agencies would gradually help improve the traffic situation.

‘People got justice’ in July crimes verdict

Commenting on the International Crimes Tribunal’s verdict sentencing seven leaders of the banned Awami League and its affiliated organisations to death for crimes against humanity, the Home Minister said the people of Bangladesh had received justice through the verdict.

He also said the government had taken action over a procession organised by the banned Awami League in Gulshan.

The minister’s remarks came amid heightened attention to law and order, traffic management and the upcoming local government elections, with the government facing pressure to address both urban congestion and political security concerns.